A friendly guide for teens and adults explaining what’s safe (and what’s not) for vaginal use, with expert advice and latest research to prevent infections and keep your pH in balance.

By Dr Medicore

Your vagina has its own special ecosystem and cleans itself naturally. It maintains a slightly acidic pH (around 3.8–4.5) that keeps yeast and harmful bacteria in check (ivi.uk). Tiny “good” bacteria (Lactobacilli) produce lactic acid and mucus that wash away old blood, semen, and discharge (womenshealth.gov). In other words, under normal circumstances you don’t need to scrub the inside of your vagina at all. In fact, doctors warn that anything you wash or insert internally (even plain water!) can upset this balance (womenshealth.gov, ivi.uk).

That said, there are approved and helpful things you can safely use: for example, menstrual products (like sanitary tampons or menstrual cups) are made for internal use, as long as you follow instructions. Gynecologists note that changing tampons regularly (every 4–8 hours) is important, since menstrual blood is a bit alkaline and staying in too long can raise vaginal pH (ivi.uk). Similarly, water-based or silicone-based lubricants and clean, nonporous sex toys can be safely used for sexual activity. Even medical tools like a speculum (used during a smear test) or doctor-prescribed medications (antifungal gels, etc.) are fine because they’re sterile and meant for the vagina.

On the other hand, many everyday items people might use “just to feel fresh” or for DIY remedies can greatly harm vaginal health. Below we explain eight common mistakes. Each section covers why that item is risky and what experts say. We also include tips on gentle cleaning and vaginal care.

 

1. Scented Soaps and Body Washes

Why it’s bad: Most soaps, shower gels and feminine washes contain perfumes and harsh chemicals. Using them on the external vulva (the folds around the vagina) can cause dryness and irritation (devonsexualhealth.nhs.uk). Using any soap inside the vagina is worse – it strips away the normal bacteria that keep it healthy. Medical experts agree: “no soap inside the vagina” is all you need – a gentle, unscented cleanser on the outside is sufficient (ivi.uk, devonsexualhealth.nhs.uk).

Expert advice: The UK’s NHS and sexual health specialists stress that scented products often trigger bacterial vaginosis or thrush. One clinic bluntly warns: “Don’t use soaps or shower gel… to cleanse your genitals. These products are often the leading cause of dryness, itching and irritation.” (devonsexualhealth.nhs.uk). In other words, save your flowery body wash for arms and legs – for your vulva, stick to plain warm water or a very mild, fragrance-free soap. Even unperfumed “gentle” soaps can contain irritants, so many women’s health providers actually recommend just water or a doctor-approved emollient (like an oil-free cream). Bottom line: scented cleansers can disrupt your vagina’s pH and healthy flora, so avoid them completely.

2. Internal Water (Douching)

Why it’s bad: The term douching means squirting water (sometimes mixed with vinegar or baking soda) into the vagina to “wash it out”. All evidence shows this is harmful. Washing out the inside of the vagina washes out the good bacteria and acid that protect it. Studies and health authorities unanimously advise never to douche. The Office on Women’s Health (U.S. Dept. of HHS) explains: “Douching can change the necessary balance of vaginal flora and natural acidity in a healthy vagina.” Frequent douching is linked to bacterial vaginosis, pelvic infections, complications in pregnancy, and even a higher risk of STIs (womenshealth.gov, womenshealth.gov).

Expert advice: Professors of obstetrics echo this: “I can’t think of any circumstances where douches are helpful,” notes Dr. Ronnie Lamont (Royal College of OB/GYN, UK). He emphasizes that douching “washes out everything that’s in the vagina, including all the healthy bacteria” (ivi.uk, womenshealth.gov). The CDC’s Women’s Health fact sheet bluntly states: “You should not douche to try to get rid of vaginal odor or other problems… Douching will only…make other problems worse.” (If you notice unusual discharge or smell, see a doctor – it’s almost always an infection that needs medical care (womenshealth.gov, womenshealth.gov.)

What to do instead: Simply wash the outside of the vulva with warm water during your shower or bath (womenshealth.gov). No special device or spray is needed. “It’s best to let your vagina clean itself,” says OWH: “The mucus washes away blood, semen, and vaginal discharge.” (womenshealth.gov). If you’re really concerned about odor or hygiene, you can gently rinse the outer area with plain water – and nothing else. Avoid sticking hoses or jets anywhere near your cervix. In short, keep your vagina’s interior untouched – nature has it covered (womenshealth.govivi.uk).

3. Lemon, Vinegar or Other Acidic Juices

Why it’s bad: Acids like lemon juice, lime juice, or even cider vinegar are extremely harsh on genital tissue. These are several orders of magnitude more acidic than a healthy vagina. Laboratory and clinical studies found that exposing vaginal skin to lemon or lime juice causes severe damage. In one trial, more than half the women using 50% lemon juice (diluted only 1:1 with water) developed deep epithelial abrasions – tiny tears in the vaginal wall – within daysnswp.org. Pure (100%) lemon or lime juice caused pain, burns and irritation in even more women.

Expert advice: Public health campaigns warn that “washing out the vagina with either 100% or diluted lime or lemon juice may increase a woman’s risk of getting infected” (nswp.org). Why? Those tiny abrasions give germs a door to enter. Even aside from tears, the raw acidity itself stings and kills the healthy bacteria. The Cleveland Clinic’s experts similarly note that vinegar baths or douching have no proven benefit and will burn and irritate, potentially making problems worse (health.clevelandclinic.org, health.clevelandclinic.org).

What to do instead: Avoid any DIY vagina washes or douches. Don’t follow internet trends suggesting fruit juices or antiseptics for a “detox”. These chemicals are meant for cleaning dishes or wounds – not genital mucosa. If you want a fresh feeling, just shower normally. If you suspect an infection (burning, unusual discharge, fishy odor), see a doctor rather than experimenting with home remedies.

4. Unclean or Poor-Quality Sex Toys

Why it’s bad: Sex toys can be fun and perfectly safe when used properly. But dirty or porous toys can introduce infections. Any toy used multiple times or shared between partners should be thoroughly cleaned. If not, it can harbor bacteria, yeast or viruses that upset the vaginal flora. Moreover, some materials (like jelly rubber or PVC) are porous – they have microscopic holes that soap and water can’t fully sanitize.

Expert advice: The CDC recommends treating sex toys like anything that touches genitals: “Wash sex toys with soap and water after each use” (cdc.gov). A Healthline review adds that infections like bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections or even UTIs can be passed via toys if they’re reused without cleaning (healthline.com). For example, a toy used anally and then vaginally can introduce gut bacteria into the vagina, causing a serious infection (healthline.com). A rule of thumb from sex therapists: nonporous materials (silicone, glass, stainless steel, hard plastic) are safest, since they can be sterilized. If you share a toy, cover it with a new condom or wash it between uses.

Safe practices: Always clean your toys according to the manufacturer’s instructions (usually mild soap and water, or a toy-cleaner). Never use damaged or moldy toys – they should last many years if well-maintained. If you feel burning or irritation after using a toy, discontinue use and wash it immediately. The bottom line: clean toys = happy vagina. Dirty toys = infection risk (cdc.govhealthline.com).

5. Sharp or Unsafe Objects

Why it’s bad: This may seem obvious, but it bears repeating: never insert anything sharp or unsanitary (pins, knives, wires, glass, etc.) into the vagina. Even if something seems small or “mildly pointy,” it can easily cut or tear the delicate vaginal wall. Unlike the outer vulva, the inner canal is very vascular and sensitive to injury. A scratch or cut there can bleed and hurt, and give bacteria a way in.

Expert advice: Obstetricians report that any foreign body left in the vagina can act as a “nidus” (seed) for infection (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). Case reports have even documented severe inflammation, abscesses or fistulas after forgotten objects stayed inside for months. Medical blogs emphasize that anything foreign can cause painful abrasions. For example, when a supposed “vaginal tightening” trend urged women to insert ground oak galls or glitter, OB-GYNs warned: “Inserting anything foreign…can cause irritation, infection, and painful vaginal abrasions.” (draliabadi.com).

What to do instead: Use only smooth, body-safe items in your vagina. If you ever experience unexplained bleeding, severe pain, or persistent discharge, consider whether it could be from a cut or foreign object – and seek medical help right away. In short, it’s simply not worth risking a tear or infection. If you wouldn’t use an object on other delicate skin (or in your mouth), don’t use it in your vagina.

6. Petroleum Jelly and Oil-Based Lubricants

Why it’s bad: Many people think Vaseline® or baby oil is a handy lubricant. But petroleum jelly is not water-soluble and will linger in the vagina. This can trap bacteria and disrupt the natural balance, leading to infections like bacterial vaginosis or yeast. Even more critically, oil-based products degrade latex. If you’re relying on condoms for STD prevention or pregnancy avoidance, using Vaseline will make the condom much more likely to break (cloudninecare.com).

Expert advice: Cancer and women’s health experts warn: “Never use petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline®) as a moisturizer or lubricant. It can irritate your vagina and vulva… and raise your risk of a vaginal infection.” (mskcc.org). Likewise, obstetricians note that any oil will dissolve latex condoms, causing holes. The advice is to stick with water-based or silicone-based lubricants, which are easy to wash out and safe for condoms. Even natural oils (like coconut or olive oil) are ill-advised with latex condoms for the same reason.

What to do instead: If you need extra lubrication for sex, choose a reputable sex-lube brand (many are water- or silicone-based and labeled “vaginal safe”). These glide on easily and wash off with water. Save the Vaseline in your medicine cabinet for dry skin and call it a night on using it inside your vagina (mskcc.org, cloudninecare.com).

7. Feminine Wipes and Sprays

Why it’s bad: Pre-packaged “feminine wipes” and scented sprays promise freshness, but they often contain alcohol, fragrances, and chemicals that can sting and dry the tissues. Even though these products are marketed for genitals, they can upset the sensitive vulvar skin and increase infection risk.

Expert advice: Dermatologists and OB-GYNs strongly discourage using wipes or sprays on genital skin. Women’s health sources found that many women reported “itching, burning, irritation, allergic reactions and even UTIs” after using scented vaginal wipes (womensvoices.org). The Cleveland Clinic also advises: “When it comes to cleaning your vulva… avoid harsh cleansers, douches, wipes and perfumes.” (health.clevelandclinic.org, health.clevelandclinic.org). Even the US Office on Women’s Health cautions to “avoid scented tampons, pads, powders, and sprays,” noting they may increase infection chances (womenshealth.gov). One professor colorfully put it: “If nature had intended the vagina to smell like roses or lavender, it would have made it so.” The point is, a normal healthy vagina has only a mild, natural scent.

What to do instead: For daily hygiene, plain toilet paper and warm water are enough. If you prefer, you can wash the outer vulva with a damp washcloth or unscented gentle soap, but skip wipes. Wipes might feel convenient after a workout or period, but they’re unnecessary and potentially harmful. If odor or irritation bothers you, see a doctor rather than trying scented products.

8. Food and DIY Home Remedies

Why it’s bad: In recent years, strange “home remedies” have circulated online – from inserting fruits and yogurts to douching with cucumber juice. These can do more harm than good. Foods contain sugars and microbes that belong in the stomach, not inside your vagina. Anything sticky, sugary or fermenting (like honey, yogurt, or even fruit juices) can feed yeast and bacteria and shift your pH. And if a food item isn’t clean, it can carry germs.

Expert advice: OB-GYNs universally advise against using food items internally. One doctor warns: “Inserting tampons in your vagina that are soaked in anything — yogurt, alcohol, coffee — is a bad idea… Introducing new bacteria or causing inflammation can lead to infection.” (draliabadi.com). Nutritionists also note that yogurt (even unsweetened) has natural sugars that could fuel yeast growth if stuffed inside (health.clevelandclinic.org). While some herbs or oils have antimicrobial properties in a dish, they can irritate or inflame delicate mucosa in concentrated form.

What to do instead: Use only products labeled for vaginal use, or substances recommended by a doctor. If you want to do something sensual with food (like chocolate, whipped cream, or fruit) during foreplay, be extremely careful to keep it on the outside only and clean up thoroughly afterwards. For example, Dr. Shree Datta (London) noted that while chocolate on the vulva might be fine if cooled, letting it contact the vaginal canal can cause infection or irritation. After any playful mess, wash off completely. But really, it’s safest to treat the vagina like any other sensitive body part: no foreign edibles or remedies without medical backing.

Tips for Healthy Vaginal Care

• Gentle external cleaning: Wash the vulva (outer lips) with warm water and, if needed, a very mild, unscented soap no more than once a day (devonsexualhealth.nhs.uk, health.clevelandclinic.org). Pat dry.

• Dress comfortably: Wear cotton underwear and breathable clothing to reduce moisture and irritation (smsna.org). Change out of sweaty or wet clothes promptly.

• Use trusted products: Only insert items designed for vaginal use (tampons, menstrual cups, prescribed meds). For sex, use condoms correctly and clean, body-safe toys (cdc.govivi.uk).

• Change tampons regularly: To prevent infection or toxic shock, follow the 4-8 hour rule and never sleep in a tampon (ivi.uk).

• Listen to your body: Normal vaginal discharge varies through the cycle; mild natural odor is OK. If you notice itching, burning, strong smell, or unusual discharge, see a healthcare provider. Don’t try to self-treat by squirting anything in there.

• Stay informed: Your vagina needs only gentle care. Avoid myths and stick to evidence-based advice. When in doubt, consult a gynecologist.

By following these simple rules—no harsh soaps or chemicals, no DIY washes, and no random objects—you’ll help your vagina stay healthy and infection-free. Remember: the vagina is mostly self-cleaning. Your best care is not overdoing it, but treating it kindly.

Sources: Medical experts and research on vaginal pH, hygiene, and infection prevention guide these recommendations (ivi.uk,  womenshealth.gov, nswp.orgcdc.gov, mskcc.org, draliabadi.com, health.clevelandclinic.org, devonsexualhealth.nhs.uk). Each cited study or guideline underscores that most “cleansing” or home remedies do more harm than good.

Dr. Medicore is a journalist who writes on health issues under a pseudonym. This article has not been medically verified.